Osteoporosis can be a painful and frightening condition, but a caregiver can provide the encouragement and optimism needed to get through it.

“[Osteoporosis] transforms people’s lives because their normal routines are disrupted,” says Ethel Siris, M.D., an endocrinologist and internist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

“Individuals can become needy and frustrated at losing their independence and it can be very depressing. But with good rehab and effort, they have a good chance of recovery.”

The first thing a caregiver or family member should understand is the nature of the disease, Siris says. Some people, especially older patients, may have reduced bone strength but feel fine, without experiencing fractures or deformities of the back. On the other hand, patients with symptomatic osteoporosis have had a fracture or series of fractures and may have some deformities.

This distinction is important because symptomatic osteoporosis patients should start medical treatment immediately after a fracture to prevent the next one.

“Once you’ve had one fracture, you can have more,” Siris says.

Calcium and prescription drugsCaregivers should make sure their loved one is taking increased calcium and vitamin D as recommended by their doctor, whether through supplements or diet.

For older patients, prescription medicine may be the best way to treat the condition. Siris says osteoporosis patients and their caregivers need to know how the medication is taken, adhere to the regimen and understand the nature of the medication. Keep in mind that the prescription medicine’s role is to increase bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures – not reduce pain.

Safety measuresRubber-soled shoes and canes and walkers can help patients from falling. Also, caregivers should assess their loved one’s homes and eliminate possible hazards. Some safety tips:

Be sure there is adequate lighting, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Install grab bars in showers and tubs.

Ensure that all stairs have sturdy banisters.

Clear clutter from rooms.

Use plastic or carpet runners.

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